Library News

On 11 January 2024, the University of Macau presented the manuscript publication “Relação Oficial da Embaixada do Rei D. João V de Portugal ao Imperador Yongzheng em 1725-1728”, and a map published in 1749, named Carte Generale de la Tatarie Chinoise et des Rojaumes de Corée et de Iapan”, [General Map of Chinese Tataria and the Kingdoms of Korea and Japan], at the Rarebook Collection Room of the University Library.

In 2022, the UM Library purchased a rare manuscript that records the 18th-century diplomatic mission of Alexandre Metelo de Sousa e Menezes, a special envoy of King John V of Portugal to Emperor Yongzheng (1725-1728). The manuscript is of profound significance to the study of the history of Sino-Portuguese relations.

The University Library completed the preparation and publication of a book on the aforementioned manuscript in December 2023, entitled "Relação Oficial da Embaixada do Rei D. João V de Portugal ao Imperador Yongzheng em 1725-1728". This book includes the facsimile reproduction of the original Portuguese manuscript, a transcription, and a Chinese translation.  The purchase of the rare manuscript, and the book publication were funded by the University of Macau Development Foundation.

The University of Macau also published a booklet related to the manuscript, under the title "A Relação Manuscrita da Embaixada do Rei D. João V de Portugal ao Imperador Yongzheng em 1725-1728 – Estudos Introdutórios".

Also presented at the ceremony there was a two-part map dating from 1749, named "Carte Generale de la Tatarie Chinoise et des Rojaumes de Corée et de Iapan". This map is one of the most important Chinese cartographic documents of the 18th century. It was published by Homann Heirs in Nuremberg, Germany. The map consists of two copper engravings, spanning from northern Russia to the Pacific, including China, Korea and Japan. It was created by a German mathematician and astronomer Johannes Tobias Mayer (1723-1762), based on the map drawn by the famous French cartographer Jean-Baptiste Bourguignon d'Anville (1697-1782).

The ceremony was hosted by Professor Rui Martins, UM Vice Rector (Global Affairs), and by Dr Wu Jianzhong, University Librarian, accompanied by Dr Raymond Wong, Associate University Librarian, Billy Leung,  Assistant University Librarian, and Cindy Lam, Director of Alumni and Development Office.